Automatic dispensing apparatus



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AUTOMATIC DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 28, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 UHUOO HLI LHLHUL A I Arimmi.

Jan. 13, 1953 w, E, sAxE 2,625,301

AUTOMATIC DISPENSING APPARATUS Y Filed Aug. 28, 1947 4 Sheets- Sheet 2 U/H/H /27-/37 F .f6.3 65

Il H l Jan. 13, 1953 Filed Aug. 28, 1947 W. E. SAXE AUTOMATIC DISPENSING APPARATUS OSS FFERENCE Bim-@mm 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 CROSS FRENC LAAWMNE Jan. 13, 1953 w. E. sAxE 2,625,301

AUTOMATIC DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 28, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /54 W6" 555 /56 /57 /60 VMM/ Patented Jan. 13, 1953 AUTOMATIC DISPENSING APPARATUS Walter E. Saxe, San Gabriel, Calif., assignor to The Conveyor Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California p Application August 28, 1947, Serial No. 771,013

22 Claims. 1

My invention relates to general to apparatus for dispensing materials in measured quantities and, more particularly, to an apparatus for producing mixtures of predetermined proportions.

In general, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for actuating a plurality of dispensing devices in such a manner that each device dispenses a measured quantity of material from a source with which it is associated. More specically, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for actuating the dispensing devices under the control of means responsive to the quantities of material dispensed by the devices.

As an example, an apparatus embodying the fundamental principles of my invention may be employed in connection with an installation wherein the sources of material referred to in the preceding paragraph are storage bins and the dispensing devices are gates or other discharge controlling devices. Such installations, an example of which may be found in my Patent No. 2,336,130, issued December 7, 1943, are used extensively for combining the constituents of such materials as concrete', for example, although other uses therefor are well known to those skilled in the art.

Since the invention is particularly applicable to and was orginally embodied in a dispensing apparatus which is responsive to the weights of` the materials dispensed thereby, I prefer to consider such an embodiment herein for purposes of illustration. However, the invention may be embodied in apparatus responsive to variables other than the weights of the dispensed materials and it will be understood, therefore, that I do not desire to be limited to the particular embodiment which I have elected to disclose herein. For example, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various features of the invention may be incorporated in an apparatus which in responsive t-o such parameters of the dispensed materials as their volumes, pressures, levels in a container, etc.

Considering the nature of the invention in more detail, it is a primary object to provide an apparatus having a plurality of material dispensing devices and having photoelectrically controlled means responsive to the quantities of material dispensed by the respective devices for actuating and subsequently de-actuating the devices in sequence in such a manner that each device dispenses a predetermined quantity of material from a source with which it is assoelated. More specifically, an object in this connection is to provide an apparatus having means for actuating the dispensing devices in sequence and having photoelectric means for de-actuating each device whenever a predetermined quantity of material has been dispensed thereby.

An important object of the invention is to provide an apparatus having means whereby the quantities of material to be dispensed by the various dispensing devices may be xed simultaneously and in a single operation.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus having an indicator which is movable through distances proportional to the quantities of material dispensed by the dispensing devices and having a plurality of control devices which are shiftable along the path of the indicator and which are adapted to cooperate therewith to control the operation of the dispensing devices in such a manner as to dispense predetermined quantities of the materials. An important object in this connection is to provide means for positioning all of'the control devices in a single operation so as to nx the quantities of material to be dispensed by all of the dispensing devices simultaneously.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the control devices are mounted on members which are movable along parallelpaths and which are engageable by template means for simultaneously moving all of the members. A related object is to provide template means comprising a stair-like template having a plurality of steps which are adapted to engage the respective members which carry the control devices.

Another improtant object is to provide means movable transversely of the paths of the members which carry the control devices for bringing any one of a plurality of such templates into an operative position relative to the members so that any one of several possible combinations of the quantities of material to be dispensed by the various dispensing devices may be obtained readily.

An object in connection with the specific embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is to provide an apparatus wherein the control devices are light sources which, in cooperation with the movable indicator, regulate the operation of the photoelectrically controlled means for actuating and de-actuating the dispensing devices'.

A further object of the invention is'to provide an apparatus of the foregoing character wherein the movable indicator is adapted to convey light from the various light sources to a single, sta- 3 tionary photoelectric cell, the indicator being non-linear and being formed of a material which is capa-ble of conveying light along an irregular path.

Still another object is to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus having means for producing a permanent record of the operation of the dispensing devices.

The foregoing objects of my invention and the advantages suggested thereby, together with various other objects and advantages which will become evident hereinafter, may be attained through the employment of the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and which is described in detail hereinafter.

Referring to the drawings, which are. intended as illustrative only:

Fig. 1 is a view on a reduced scale showing, in semi-diagrammatic form, an installation in which a dispensing apparatus embodying the fundamental principles of my invention may be incorporated;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the dispensing apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a semi-diagrammatic view showing various components of the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a view taken along the irregular broken line 4-4 of Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrows intersecting this line;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the dispensing apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical circuit which forms part of the dispensing apparatus;

Fig. 'l is a semi-diagrammatic view showing a recording means which forms part of the apparatus;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view showing a portion of the recording means; and

Figs. 9 and l0 are further enlarged, fragmentary sectional views which are taken along the broken lines 3--3 and IO-IU of Figure 8.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, I show an installation with which my dispensing apparatus, indicated generally by the numeral I0, may be incorporated. This installation includes a frame II which carries a hopper I2 and a receiver or receptacle I3, the hopper being divided into four storage compartments or bins I4, I5, I6 and Il in the particular construction illustrated so that four different materials may be discharged into the receiver. It will be understood, of course, that the number of materials to be handled may be varied as desired, the number four having been selected merely for purposes of illustration.

The installation shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings may, for example, be employed for combining the various constituents of concrete, in which case the bins I4 to I1 may contain cement and various grades of aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed rock, etc. The materials delivered into the receiver I3 subsequently may be discharged therefrom into a concrete mixer (not shown), the frame II supporting the hopper I2 and receiver I3 preferably being so designed that a truck (not shown) carrying a concrete mixer may be driven beneath the receiver so that the mixture contained, therein may be discharged into the mixer asis well known in the art.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the dispensing apparatus I D, in the particular construction illustrated. includes a scale which is connected to the receiver I3 in a manner not specifically shown but well known in the art so as to produce movement of an indicator 20 over a scale dial 2I in response to variations in the weight of the mixture contained in the receiver. As will be discussed in detail hereinafter, such weight variations are utilized to control the operation of dispensing devices which'regulate the delivery of material from the bins I4; to I1 into thereceiver I3, such dispensing devices being shown schematically in Fig. 6 and being indicated by the numerals 24, 25, 26 and 2l. 'I'hese dispensing devices, which are exemplified as simple gates, may be of any suitable type and may be of the type disclosed in my aforesaid prior patent if desired.

Considering the dispensing apparatus I0 in more detail, the dispensing devices 24 to 2l are actuated in sequence by a photcelectrically controlled means whose operation is regulated by the position of the indicator 23 relative to the scale dial 2I in such a manner that the dispensing devices deliver predetermined quantities of the materials contained inthe bins I4 to Il into the receiver I3 in sequence. As best shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the photoelectrically controlled means includes a photoelectric cell 28 which is mounted behind the scale dial 2I and which is adapted to receive light in sequence from a plurality of light sources as the indicator 20 moves around the dial, the light sources serving as control devices which determine the quantities of material to be dispensed bythe dispensing devices 24 to 21. These light sources, which are shown as four in number to correspond to the four dispensing devices 24V to 21, are spaced around the scale dial and identified by the numerals 31. light source preferably includes a pair` of light bulbs, for example, so that the apparatus will still operate in the event of failure of one of 4the bulbs.

As best shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. the

Each.

light from the light sources 34 to 31 falls on the o uter end of a pointer. 38, which forms partA of the indicator20, as the pointer moves past successive ones of the light sources. 20 is formed of a material which has the characteristic of conveying light along a non-linear path, an exanmal being methyl methacrylate, commonly known as Lggimg' so -thatthe light falling on the end of the pointer 38 passes through the pointer and through a shank 39 which forms part ofthe indicator, the indicator being carried by a shaft 40 vwhich is rotatable in response to variations of the weight of the material in the receiver I3.by asuitable weighing mechanism which is not shown but which is well known in the art. The light passing through the. indicator 20 traverses avspace between the shank 39 thereof and an arm of an L-shaped member 4I which is also formed of a material that is capable of conveying light along an irregular path, the L-shaped member 4I being so positioned that the light passing therethrough falls upon the photoelectric cell 28 which controls the operation of the dispensing devices 24 to 21 in a manner to be described hereinafter. Thus, it will be apparent that as the indicator 20 moves around the scale dial 2|, light from successive ones of the light sources 34 to 3l is transmitted to the photoelectric cell 28 by the indicator and by the L-shaped memberM.

The light source 34 is spacedfrom the zero point on the scale dial 2I a distanceproportional to the. weight ofthe material to be discharged from the bin I4,by thel dispensing device 24. The light source, 35 is spaced from thelight source 34 a distance proportional -to the weight of the material to be discharged from the bin I5 into the receiver I3 by the dispensing device 25. Similarly, the light sources 3B and 31 are spaced from the light sources 35 and 36, respectively, distances proportional to the weights of the materials to be discharged from the bins I6 and I1, respectively, by the dispensing devices 26 and 21. Thus, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, material is discharged from the bin |4 during the interval that the indicator 20 moves from the zero point on the scale dial 2| to the light source 34, material is discharged from bin I5 during the interval that the indicator moves from the light source 34 -to the light source 35, etc.

In order to permit varying the weights of the materials to be delivered from the bins I4 to I1 into the receiver I3 by the respective dispensing devices 24 to 21, the light sources 34 to 31 are shiftable along the path of the end of the pointer 38 in a manner about to be described. As indicated in Fig. 2 and as shown in more detail in Figs. 3 and 4, the light sources 34 to 31 are mounted on ring gears 44 to 41, respectively, which are concentric with the path of the indicator 20 and which are rotatable about the axis of rotation thereof to move the light sources to different points on the scale dial 2|. The ring gears 44 to 41 are adapted to be rotated by racks 54 to 51, respectively, as best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, each rack being operatively connected to the corresponding ring gear by gears 58 and 59 which provide a gear ratio such that a relatively small movement of each rack.- produces a larger movement of the corresponding ring gear. Thus, by moving the racks 54 to 51, the corresponding ring gears 44 to 41 are rotated to shift the corresponding light sources 34 to 31 with respect to the scale dial 2|. It will be noted that I have shown in Fig. 3 a system for supplying current to each light source which includes anelectrical cable trained over pulleys 0|) and 6|, the pulley 6| being suspended by the cable and being weighted to compensate for movement of the light source to which each cable is connected. However, it will be understood. that other systems of supplying current to the light sources, such as a brush system, for example, may be employed.

Although the racks 54 to 51 controlling the positions of the light sources 34 to 31 may be moved individually, as by means of suitable handles (not shown), an important feature of the invention is to provide means indicated generally by the numeral 62 for positioning all of the light sources 34 to 31 in a single operation by adjusting the position of all of the racks simultaneously. As best shown in Fig. 4, the means 62 preferably includes a template 63 of stair-like form having a plurality of steps 64 to 61 which are adapted to engage the racks 54 to 51, respectively, so that bringing the template into engagement with the racks and moving it in the direction of movement of the racks causes all of the light sources 34 and 31 to be positioned automatically. It will be apparent that the heights of the various steps 64 to 61 of the template 63 determine the positions of the light sources 34 to 31, respectively, relative to the scale dial 2| to determine the weights of the materials to be dispensed by the respective dispensing devices.

The dispensing apparatus includes a plunger 68, which may be a hydraulically operated ram,

for moving the template 63 into engagement with the racks 54 to 51 and for subsequently moving 6 the template and the racks so as to move the light sources 34 to 31 into predetermined positions with respect to the scale dial. 1n order to permit varying the proportions of the mixture formed by discharging materials from the bins I4 to I1 into the receiver I3, I prefer to provide a plurality of templates 63 which are mounted on a cart 89, the cart being movable along rails 10 so as to bring any one of the templates into an operative position with respect to the plunger 68 and the racks 54 to 51. Thus, any one of several mixtures having constituents in different proportions may be delivered to the receiver I3 by moving the cart 69 to bring the proper template 63 into an operative position with respect to the racks 54 to 51 and subsequently actuating the plunger 68 to position all of the light sources 34 to 31 simultaneously as previously described.

For convenience, the disclosure thus far has been restricted to a description of the structure of the dispensing apparatus I0 as a preamble to describing the photoelectrically controlled means for actuating the dispensing devices 24 to 21 so as to discharge measured quantities of the materials in the bins I4 to I1 into the receiver I3 in sequence in the manner indicated previously. The photoelectrically controlled means will now be considered in more detail with particular reference to the schematic diagram in Fig. 6 of the drawings.

Referring particularly to Fig. 6, I have shown the dispensing devices 24 to 21 as being actuable by double acting hydraulic units 14 to 11, respectively, which are controlled by suitable selector valves 84 to 81, respectively, the respective valves being in turn controlled by solenoids 34 to 91 which form part of the electrical circuit of the dispensing apparatus. Considering the circuit in more detail, it includes a pair of leads 98 and 99 which are connected to a suitable current source, the lead 98 being connected to an on-oi switch |00 which is closed when the apparatus is in operation. The circuit also includes a relay |0| which is controlled by a start switch |02 and by the photoelectric cell 28, which acts as a switch in the circuit, the switch |02 and the photoelectric cell being connected in parallel with each other and being connected in series with the relay. Thus, the relay |0| is energized whenever the start switch |02 is closed, or whenever light from one of the sources 34 to 31 falls on the photoelectric cell 28. For convenience, the amplier and other apparatus necessarily associated with the photoelectric cell 28 have been omitted from the circuit.

The relay IOI, when energized, closes a norinally open switch |03 which is connected in series with an electric motor |04, current being supplied to the motor through suitable connections to the leads 98 and 99. A solenoid operated brake |05 is connected across the input leads to the motor |04 and is adapted to prevent coasting of the motor upon opening of the switch |03,

the solenoid incorporated in the brake being adapted to disengage the brake when the motor is energized.

Referring to Fig. 3 of the drawings, the motor |04 drives a shaft |06 which carries discs |01 and |03, these discs being provided with notches |09 and ||0, respectively. Associated with the disc |01 is a switch AI I which, as shown in Fig. 6, includes contacts IIIa, |||b, |||c and IIId, the contacts Ia and Ib normally being connected i but the contacts lIo and |||d being connected and the contacts |||a and |||b being vdisconnected whenever an actuating roller ||2 forining part of the switch enters the notch |09 in the disc |01.

Similar switches ||4 to ||1, which respectively correspond to the dispensing devices 24 to 21, are mounted adjacent the disc |08 and are provided with rollers which are adapted to enter the notch in this disc. As shown in Fig. 6, the switch I |4 is provided with contacts |4a to |I`4d, the contacts ||4a and ||4b being connected when the roller of the switch ||4 is out of the notch ||0 in the disc |08 and the contacts ||4c and ||4d being connected when the roller is in the notch. Similarly, the switch A||5 includes contactsy ||5a to ||5d, the switch ||6 includes contacts ||$a to ||6d and the switch ||1 includes contacts l Ila to ||1d, the a and b contacts of the respective switches being connected whenever the rollers thereof are out of the notch ||0 in the disc |00, and the c and d contacts being connected when the rollers are in the notch.

The switches and ||4 to ||1 are' connected in series in such a manner that a current path through the motor |04 is established when all of the rollers which actuate these switches are out of the notches in the discs |01 and |08so that the a and b contacts of all of the switches are connected'. Consequently, it will be apparent that the motor |04 will be energized either' when the respective a and b contacts of all of the switches and ||4 to ||1 are connected, o1 when the switch |03 is closed by the' relay |'0|. As previously discussed, this relay is energized' to close the switch |03 whenever the start switch |02 is closed, or whenever light from on of the sources 34 to 31 reaches the photoele'ctric cell 28.

The switch is also connected in the circuit in such a manner that when the roller associated therewith enters the notch |09 in the disc |01 to establish a connection between the contacts ||'|c and |||d, this switch is connected in series with a pilot light ||8, which is preferably green. Connected in series with the pilot light ||8 is a normally closed switch ||9 which is opened by a relay |28 whenever the motor |04 is energized, the relay being connected in parallel with the motor. Thus, when the contacts la and Ib of the switch are connected, thisv switch is connected in series with the switches ||4 to ||1 and the motor |04 (provided that the respective a and b contacts of all of the switches 4 to Ill are connected), and, when the contacts Ic and la'. of theswitch are connected, this switchis connected in series with the pilot light |8 and the switch ||9.

The switch |4 is connected in the'circuit-in such a manner that when the roller associated therewith enters the notch |||l in the' disc |08 to connect the contacts ||4c and ||4d of this switch, av current path through the lightsource 34 is established, thelightsource 34' being con#- nected to the contact ||4c of the switch l|4 through a normally closed switch |24. The

switches 5, H6 and H1 are connected in the circuit in a similar manner so that the respective' c and d contacts thereof are connected, current paths through the light sources 35, 36 and 31, re'- spectively, are established. Normally closed switches |25, and |21 which are similar to the switch |24 are included in the circuit, the switch |25b'eing interposed between the contact ll5c`of' the' switch ||5 and the light s'ource135, the switch;

|26 being interposed between the contact H66 of the switch ||6 and the light source 35, and th switch 21 being interposed between the contact ||1c of the switch ||1 and the light source 31. Normally open switches |34 to |31 are mechani-v cally connected to the normally closed switches |24 to 21, respectively, in such a mannerthat whenever the switches |34 to |31 are closed, the switches |24 to |21 are open, and vice v ersa. The switches |34 to |31 are connectedin the circuit as shown in Fig. 6 and cooperate with the switches |24 to |21 to perform functions which will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. o

The solenoids 34 to 31 which, throughthe respective valves 84 to 81 and hydraulic units 14 to 11, control thel dispensing devices 24 to 21 are connected in parallel with thelightsources 34 to 31 so that whenever the c and d contacts of lany one of the switches ||4 to ||1are connected by entry of the roller associated therewith into the notch ||0 of the disc |08, the corresponding one of the solenoids 94 to 91 is also energized to actuate the corresponding one of the dispensing devices 24 to 21. o

If desired, indicator lights |44 to |41, which are preferably red, may be connected in parallel with the solenoids 94 to B1, respectively, so that each of these lights will be energized whenever the corresponding solenoid is energized to indicate that the corresponding one of the dispensing devices 24 to 21 has been actuated.

For convenience in considering the operation of my dispensing apparatus, the procedure for initiating operation thereof will be related. Knowing the quantities of the various materials which are to be delivered into the receiver |'3 from the bins I4 to l1, the operator moves the cart 69 along the rails 10 until the proper tem-l plate 63 is in an operative position with respect to the racks 54 to 51. The operator then a'ctu ates the plunger 68 so that the selected template 63, acting through the racks 54 and 51 and the ring gears 44 to 41, positions the light sources 34 to 31 relative to the scale dial 2| so that the distance between the zero point on the dial and the light source 34 is proportional to the quantity of material to be discharged from the bin |4, the distance between the light source 34 and the light source 35 is proportional to the quanlisty of material to be discharged from the bin After the light sources 34 and 31 have been positioned with respect to the scale dial 2|, thc` dispensing apparatus is ready for operation and, in the electrical circuit, the following conditions obtain: the switches |00, |02 and |34 to |31 are open; the switches |24 to |21 are closed; theVV photbelectric cell 28 and the relay |0| are deenergized so that the switch |03 controlled thereby isopen; the relay |20 is de-'ene'rgized so that the switch ||9 is closed; themotor |04 is deenergized; the roller for actuating the switch is in the notch |09 in the disc |01 sc that th'e contacts |||c and |||d of this switch are connected; all of the rollers for actuating' the switches ||4 to ||1 are out of the notch H0 in' the disc |08 so that the respectivea and b contacts'of all these switches are connectedyt'he light sources 34 to 31 are de-energized'; the pilot light ||8 is de-energized; the indicator lights' |44 to |41 are de-energized; andthe-solenoids 94 to- 91 controlling the dispensingv devices 24 to 21 are de-en'ergized so' that no material can flow from any of the bins I4 to |1 into the' rel ceiver I3;

With the foregoing conditions obtaining, the operator closes the on-oi'r switch |00, which establishes a generally couhterc'lockwise current path from the lead 38 to the contact HIc of the switch |H, through this switch to the contact IIId, and thence through the pilot light H8 and switch II9 to the lead 09. Thus, the pilot light H8 is energized to indicate that the electrical system of the apparatus is ready for operation.

The operator then closes the start switch |02 momentarily to energize the relay IGI, which closes the switch |03, thus energizing the motor |04 and the relay |20. The latter opens the switch I3 to de-energize the pilot light IB, thus indicating that the apparatus is in operation. As the motor |04 is energized, it rotates the discs |01 and I 08 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, so that the roller controlling the switch H I leaves the notch |09 in the disc |01 to break the connection between the contacts HIc and IHd of this switch and to establish the connection between the contacts I I Ia and II Ib thereof. At this time, all of the rollers controlling the switches H4 to I|1 will be out of the notch H in the disc |08 so that a current 'path to the motor is established through the switches and H4 to H1, this current path, as viewed in Fig. 6, extending in a generally counterclockwise direction from the lead 98 through the switches II| and H4 to H1 in sequence, through the motor, and thence to the lead 99. This current path may be traced through the switches IH and H4 to in Fig.

6 by going from the contact HI a of the switch IH to the contact Illa of the switch H1 by way of the contacts Hlb, H412, H4a, H5b, H5a, HEb, HSa, and H'lb in sequence. Since this current path is established through the switches and H4 to H1 as soon as the roller controlling the t whereupon the connection between the contacts |I4a and |I4b of the switch H4 is broken and the connection between the contacts ||4c and H4d thereof is established. Thus, the current path to the motor |04 is broken so that the roller controlling the switch H4 remains in the notch H0 in the disc |08. At the same time, the relay is de-energized so that the switch H9 is closed. Thus, a current path is established through the switch H4, the light source 34, the solenoid 94, and the indicator light |44. Thus, the solenoid94 is energized and actuates the valve 84 controlling the hydraulic unit 14 so as to actuate the dispensing device 24, thereby permitting material from the bin I4 to ow into the receiver |3.

Such now continues until a quantity of material suiicient to move the indicator 20 to the light source 34 has been discharged into the re- -ceiver I3. When this occurs, light from the source 34 passes through the indicator 20 and the L-shaped member 4I and reaches the photoelectric cell 28, thus causing the photoelectric cell to establish a current path from the lead 93 through the relayII to the lead 90. The relay 40|, when energized in this manner, closes the switch |03 to energize the motor |04, whereupon the motor rotates the discs |01 and |08 so that the roller controlling the switch H4 leaves the notch H0 in the disc |08 to break the connection between the contacts |I4c and I Illcl and to make the connection between the contacts Illia and I |412. At the instant light from the source 34 falls on the photoelectric cell 28, the relay |0| is energized to establish a current path through the relay |20 so as to open the switch H9, thus breaking the current path through the light source 34, the indicator light |44 and the solenoid S4.

When the solenoid 94 controlling the dispensing device 24 is de-energized in this manner, the dispensing device terminates discharge of material from the bin |4 into the receiver I3. Thus, the foregoing sequence of operations has resulted in the delivery of a predetermined quantity of material from the bin I4 into the receiver I3, this quantity being substantially equal to the reading on the scale dial 2| opposite the light source 34.

It will be noted that since the roller controlling the switch H4 leavesthe notch H0 in the disc |08 as soon as the motor |04 is energized by the photoelectric cell 28, the connection between the contacts H40 and ||4d of this reversing switch is broken to break the current path through the light source 34 so that the photoelectric cell becomes inoperative to de-energize the relay |0I and break the current path to the motor through the switch |03. However, since the connection between the contacts ||4a and H417 of the switch H4 has now been re-established, the current path through the switches Hl and H4 to H1 is re-established so that the motor |04 continues to rotate the discs |01 and |08.

Such rotation of the4 discs |01 and |08 by the motor |04 continues until the roller controlling the switch H5 enters the notch H0 in the disc |08 to break the connection between the contacts I |5a and H5b of the switch H5, thus breaking the current path through the motor. At the same time, the connection between the coni acts |I5c and |I5d of the switch H5 is made so that the light source 35, the indicator light |45 and the solenoid 95 controlling the dispensing device 25 are all energized. As a result, material from the bin I5 is permitted to flow into the receiver I3, thus causing the indicator 20 to continue its progress around the scale dial 2|. Such movement of the indicator 20 continues until it encounters the light source 35, whereupon the solenoid 05 controlling the dispensing device 25 is defenergized'by opening of the switch H0 as the relay |20 and the motor |04 are energized through the action of the photoelectric cell 28 in energizing the relay |0I to close the switch |03. Thus, a predetermined quantity of the material in the bin I5 will have been discharged into the receiver I3.

The foregoing operational sequences are repeated until predeterminedy quantities of the materials in the'bins I6 and I1 have also been discharged into the receiver I3, and, after all lof the materials have been discharged into the receiver I3 in measured quantities, the motor |04 continues to rotate thediscs |01 and |08 until the roller controlling the switchv IH` enters the -notch |09 in the disc |01 to break the connection between the contacts Hla and IHb of this switch, thus breaking the current path through the motor. The conditions now obtaining are n. mi:

identical to those which obtained when the onofl' switch |30 was closed to ready the apparatus for operation. In other words, the apparatus is now in a condition for a repetition of the preceding operating cycle.

The discussion thus far has been based on the assumption that predetermined quantities of the materials in all of the bins |4 to I1 are to be discharged into the receiver I3. However, it is frequently desirable to prevent discharge of one 'of the materials when a mixture having a smaller number of constituents is desired, this being the function of the previously mentioned switches |24 to |21 and |34 to |31.

For convenience in considering the operation of these switches, it will be assumed that the materials from the bins l5, |6 and I1 are to be discharged into the receiver |3 and that the material from the pin I4 is not to be discharged thereinto. In this case, the operator, preferably prior to closing the start switch |02, opens the switch |24 and closes the switch |34. Since the switches |24 and |34 are mechanically interconnected, this is accomplished in a single operation. Opening the switch |24 prevents the establishment of a. current path through the solenoid 94 controlling the dispensing device 24 associated with the bin |4 so that no material will be discharged from this bin when the roller controlling the switch I|4 enters the notch I I in the disc |88. The switch |34, being closed, establishes a by-pass current path around the switch ||4 so that the motor |04 is not de-energized when the roller controlling the switch ||4 enters the notch I l0, the current path through the motor under such conditions being through the switch the switch |34, and the switches ||5, ||6 and I I1. Discharge of material from any one of the remaining bins, i. e., I5, I6 and I1, may be prevented by the paired switches |25-I35, |26- |36 and |21|31 in a similar manner. It will be noted that if material from only one of the bins I4 to I1 is desired, it is merely necessary to actuate all of the combinations |24-|34, |25-I35, IZB-|36 and |21|31 except the one corresponding to the bin from which the material is desired.

It will be understood that an appropriate template 63 differing from the templates described heretofore may be employed if one of the materials is to be omitted. For example, if material from the bin l is to be omitted without varying the quantities of the materials to be dispensed from the remaining bins, a template must be employed wherein the distance between the steps 64 and 66 is equal to the distance between the steps 65 and 66 of the template normally used when materials are to be discharged from all of the bins.

As indicated previously, a feature of the invention is to provide means for recording the operation of the dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, the operation of the dispensing devices 24 to 21. Referring particularly to Figs. '1 and 8 of the drawings, the recording means, indicated generally by the numeral |49, includes rollers |50 and |5| over which a strip a quadrille paper |52 is trained, the roller |50 being driven continuously in the direction of the arrow |53 at a speed such that the paper moves continuously at a constant speed. .Any suitable means (not shown), such as an electric motor, for example. may be employed to drive the roller |50. Thus, the ordinate of any point on the paper is proportional to time 4and the Y axis may be divided l2 into suitable units of time as indicated in Fig. 8. since, in the particular construction illustrated, the apparatus is responsive to the weights of the dispensed materials, the X axis is preferably marked oiI in units of weight, also as indicated in Fig. v8.

The recording means |49 includes a plurality of recording devices |54 to |51 which correspond to the dispensing devices 24 to 21. respectively, and which are movable across the paper |52 in directions parallel to the X axis. As best shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the recording devices |54 to |51 are slidable along rods which extend across the paper, and are secured to cables |64 to |61. respectively, these cables being connected to the racks 54 to 51, respectively. As best shown in Fig. 9, the recording devices are provided with openings through which the cables |64 to |61 extend, each recording device being secured to the proper cable by a set screw |68.

Referring particularly to Fig. 7, it will be apparent that as the racks 54 to 51 are moved upwardly by the plunger 68 acting through one of the templates 63, the recording devices |54 to |51 will be moved to the right by the corresponding cables. The amounts which the recording devices |54 to |51 are moved by the racks 54 to 51 are so related to the amounts which the light sources 34 to 31 are moved thereby that the positions of the recording devices relative to the weight scale on the paper |52 will correspond to the positions of the light sources relative to the weight scale on the dial 2|. In other words, if the rack 54, for example, is moved to position the light source 34 opposite the 500 pound mark, for example, on the dial 2|, the recording device is automatically positioned opposite the 500 pound mark on the paper |52. As shown in Fig. 7, the cables |64 to |61 are provided with weights |69 which move the recording devices |54 to |51 to the left whenever the corresponding racks are lowered.

Referring particularly to Fig. 9, each of the recording devices |54 to |51 includes a pen |10 which is controlled by a solenoid |1I and a spring |12. The spring normally holds the pen |19 off the paper |52 and the solenoid, when energized, brings the point of the pen into engagement with the paper, the solenoids of the recording devices |54 to |51 being connected in parallel with the solenoids 94 to 91 controlling the dispensing devices 24 to 21, respectively. Thus, whenever' one of the solenoids 94 to S1 is energized in the manner previously described to actuate the corresponding one of the dispensing devices 24 to 21, the pen |10 of the corresponding recording device is brought into engagement with the paper I 52.

It will be apparent that the pens of the recording devices |54 to |51 will remain in contact with the paper |52 as long as the solenoids 94 to 91, respectively, are energized to actuate the correspending dispensing devices 24 to 21. Thus, the recording devices I 54 to |51 will produce lines on the paper |50 which are indicated by the numerals |14 to |11, respectively, the length of each of these lines being indicative of the length ci' time that the corresponding dispensing device is in operation. The abscissa of each of the lines It to |11 indicates the setting of the corresponding one of the light sources 34 to 31 relative to the scale dial 2|.

The recording means |49 also includes a device ISG for marking the paper |52 at the beginning of each operating cycle. As best shown in Figure 10, the marking device |80 includes a solenoid ISI which is provided with an armature carrying a punch |82, the solenoid being connected in series with the start switch |02 so that it is energized when the start switch is closed at the beginning of each cycle. Thus, a hole is punched in the paper |52 to indicate the beginning of each operating cycle.

Since the operator may, at times, close the start switch |02 for several seconds, it is essential that the punch |82 be retracted as soon as it has marked the paper |52 in order to avoid tearing the continuously moving paper. For this purpose, a switch |83 is connected in series with the solenoid |8i, the switch being connected to the armature in such a manner that when the armature moves to cause the punch |82 to mark the paper |52 the solenoid circuit is automatically broken. The marking device |80 includes a spring |84 for retracting the amature after a hole has been punched in the paper |52, the spring being connected to the armature through a lever |85 which is pivoted at |86.

Considering the operation of the recording means |49, when the operator closes the start switch |02 to start the dispensing apparatus, the marking device |80 punches a hole in the paper I 52 to mark the beginning of the operating cycle, the circuit to the solenoid |8| being broken by the switch |83 as soon as the armature of the solenoid has-moved a predetermined distance so as to prevent tearing of the paper. It will be understood that the punch |82 is located close to the surface of the paper so that only a slight movement of the armature is necessary to produce the desired hole.

Subsequently, as successive ones of the solenoids 94 to 91 are energized to actuate the corresponding dispensing devices 24 to 21, the solenoids |1| of the corresponding recording devices |54 to |51 are energized to cause the pens |10 of the respective recording devices to produce lines, such as the lines |14 to |11, on the paper |52, thereby providing a record of the length of time that material is being dispensed by each dispensing device and providing a record of the weights for which the apparatus is set.

In addition to serving as a check on the operation of the dispensing apparatus, the record obtained in this manner may be employed for various other purposes, such as in determining the productivity of an installation in which the apparatus is incorporated. For example, if analysis of the record at the end of a given length 4of time shows a number of relatively long blank lspaces, indicating that the installation was idle, operating schedules may be modified so as to utilize the installation more efciently.

It will thus be apparent that I have provided an apparatus by means of which one or more materials may be dispensed in measured quantities. Although I have disclosed an exemplary embodiment of my invention herein for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that I do not desire to be limited specifically to such an embodiment since various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated therein without necessarily departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, I hereby reserve the right to all such changes, modifications and substitutions as properly come within the scope of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention: 1. In an apparatus for controlling a plurality of material dispensing devices, the combination of a plurality of electrical circuits respectively corresponding to the dispensing devices; a device in each of said circuits for actuating the dispensing device corresponding thereto; a normally open switch in each of said circuits; means for mechanically closing and subsequently opening said switches in sequential order; means for rendering said switch opening and closing means inoperative upon closure of each of said switches; and means for rendering said switch closing means operative after predetermined quantities of material have been dispensed by the dispensing devices with which the respective switches are associated.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a plurality of sources of material; a plurality of dispensing means for dispensing material from said material sources, respectively; a receiver for the material dispensed by said dispensing means; a plurality of electrical circuits respectively corresponding to said dispensing means; a device in each of said circuits for actuating the dispensing means' corresponding thereto a normally open switch in each of said circuits; means for mechanically closing and subsequently opening said switches in sequence so as to energize and subsequently de-energize said actuating devices in sequence, whereby said dispensing means dispense quantities of material from said material sources in sequence; means for rendering said switch closing means inoperative upon closure of each of said switches; and photoewmnlladmfor rendering said switch closing means operative whenever a predetermined quantity of material has been delivered into said receiver by one of said dispensing means.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a plurality of sources of material; a plurality of dispensing means for dispensing material from said material sources, respectively; a receiver for the material dispensed by said dispensing means; a number of electrical circuits equal to the number of dispensing means; a device in each of said circuits for actuating one or the dispensing means; a normally open switch in each of said circuits; means for closing and subsequently opening said switches in sequence so as to energize and subsequently de-energize said actuating devices in sequence, whereby said dispensing means dispense quantities of material from said material sources in sequence; means for rendering said switch closing means inoperative upon closure of each of said switches; a photoelectrig mid.,l a number of light sources edui` to the number of dispensing means. said light sources being spaced along a predetermined path;

movab o aid path for causing light from said light sourc/esto fall uponlsaiddphotoelectric cell in seuence; means responsive to the quantity of material in said receiver for moving said last-named means along said path at rates proportional to the rates at which material is dispensed by the respective dispensing means; and means controlled by said photoelectric cell for rendering said switch closing means operative whenever light from one of said light sources falls upon said cell so that the dispensing means associated therewith delivers a predetermined quantity of material into said receiver.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said light sources are shiftable along said path to vary the quantities of material delivered into said receiver by the corresponding dispensing 41'5 means, said apparatus including in addition means for simultaneously fixing the positions of all of said light sources on said path.

5. In an apparatus for controlling a plurality of material dispensing devices, the combination of: means for actuating and subsequently deactuating the dispensing devices in sequence, said actuating and de-actuating means including a plurality of energy-producing control devices which respectively correspond to the dispensing devices and which are adjustably positioned along a predetermined path, including means energizable by the energy produced by said control devices, and including an indicator which is movable along said path through distances proportional to the quantities of material dispensed by the dispensing devices and which is adapted to register with successive ones of said control devices, 'said indicator having means for conveying the energy produced by said control devices to said energizable means; and means for simultaneously adjusting the positions of all of said control devices on said path.

'6. In an apparatus of the character described.

the combination of: a plurality of material dispenslng devices; a plurality of light sources respectively corresponding to said dispensing devices, said light sources being shiftable along a predetermined path; means governed by said light sources for actuating and subsequently deactuating said dispensing devices in sequence, said actuating and rie-actuating means including photoelectric means and including an indicator which is movable along said path at rates correspending to the rates at which material is dispensed by the respective dispensing devices and which is adapted to register with successive ones of said light sources, said indicator having means for conveying light from successive ones of said light sources to said photoelectric means; and means for shifting said light sources into predetermined positions.

Y. An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said path is circular and wherein each of said light sources is mounted on a member which is rotatable about the axis of said path.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of members rotatable about a common axis; a plurality of reciprocable members corresponding to said rotatable members. respectively; means providing driving connections from said reciprocable members to the corresponding rotatable members; and means, including template means engageable with all of said reciprocable members and an actuator for moving said template means, for moving said rotatable members into predetermined positions.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a plurality of members movable along parallel paths; a stair-like template having a plurality of surfaces which are adapted to engage said members, respectively; and means for moving said template into engagement with said members in a direction parallel to said paths.

10. In an 'apparatus for adjusting the positions 'of a. plurality of members which are movable along parallel paths, the combination of: a stairlike template having a plurality of steps which are adapted to engage the respective members; and means for moving said template into engagement with said members in a direction parallel to said paths.

11. In an apparatus for controlling a plurality of material dispensing devices, the combination of: an indicator comprising a. shank having a,

pointer extending transversely therefrom, said indic'ator being vrotatable vabout the axis of said shank and being formed of a material which is capable of conveying light along a non-linear path; means responsive to the amount of material dispensed by the dispensing devices for rotating said indicator about said axis, a plurality of light sources spaced along the path of the end of said pointer and arranged to direct light thereon; a photoelectric cell disposed in the path of light passing through s'aid pointer and said shank; and means controlled by said photoelectric cell for actuating and subsequently de-actuating the dis- `pensing devices in sequential order.

12. In an apparatus of the character described. the 'combination of: a plurality of material dispensing devices; means for 'actuating and subsequently cle-actuating said dispensing devices in sequence, said means including a plurality of shiftable control'devices which correspond to said dispensing devices, respectively; a plurality of shiftable recording devices corresponding to said dispensing devices, respectively; and means for shifting said control devices and said corresponding recording devices into predetermined positions in unison.

13. In 'an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a plurality of operating circuits; a controlling circuit including switching means for closing and opening said operating circuits in sequence and including photoelectric means for actuating said switching means; movable means for conveying light to said photoelectric means; and a plurality of light sources spaced apart along the path of said movable means.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a plurality of operating circuits; a controlling circuit including switching means 4for closing and opening said operating circuits in sequence and includingr photoelectric means for actuating said switching means; means movable along `a path having a number cf segments equal to the number of said operating circuits i'or conveying light to said photoelectric means; and alight source at the terminus of each of said path segments.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 including means for varying the spacing of said light sources along said path.

16. In an appparatus of the character described, the combination of z a plurality of members relatively rotatable about a common axis; a light source carried by each of said members, said light sources being shiftable along a circular path by rotating said members; photoelectric means; and m'eans registering with said photoelectric means and movable along said path for conveying light from said light sources to said photoelectric means.

17. An apparatus as dened in claim 16 wherein said light-conveying means includes an arm which is rotatable about the axis of rotation of said members and which includes a material having the characteristic of conducting light along an irregular path, said arm registering at one end with said photoelectric means and being adapted to register at its other end with said light sources.

18. In an apparatus of the character described. the combination of: a plurality of control members relatively rotatable about a common axis along spaced Acircular paths; a plurality of control devicescarried by said control members, respectively, the relative positions of said control devices varying upon relative rotation of said control members; a plurality of 'operating circuits; and

1 7 means controlled by said control devices for closing and opening said operating circuits in sequence, including an element rotatable about said common axis of said control members and registering with said control devices in sequence.

19. An apparatus as dei-ined in claim 18 wherein said control devices are light sources, wherein said means for closing and opening said operating circuits includes switching means and photoelectric means for actuating said switching means, and wherein said rotatable element includes means for conveying light to said photoelectrlc means from said light sources in sequence.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 13 including means for varying the spacing of said light sources along said path.

21. An apparatus as defined in claim 16 including means for rotating all of said members into predetermined positions simultaneously.

22. An apparatus as defined in claim 21 wherein the means set forth in claim 21 includes a plurality of racks respectively geared to said members. and includes an element engageable with all of said racks simultaneously.

WALTER E. SAXE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

